The German government has confirmed that Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi last Friday. Details of the discussion remain confidential, according to officials.
Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius, responding to inquiries from the dts Nachrichtenagentur in Berlin on Monday, stated, “The Chancellor did indeed see and speak with the Chinese Foreign Minister in a brief meeting at the Chancellery last Friday, while he was attending other consultations”. He added, “I cannot provide any information on the content of the discussions, which were confidential.
When questioned about the absence of official announcements regarding the meeting, Kornelius indicated that it is not uncommon for such “drop-in” encounters not to be formally publicized. “The Foreign Minister was present at the Foreign Ministry and information regarding that was provided. There was a press conference and the government has fulfilled its obligation to inform the public.
The meeting occurred during Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Berlin for talks with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul. Chinese state media subsequently reported that Chancellor Merz reportedly committed to working with China to pursue openness and mutual benefit, promote fair trade and collaboratively address global crises and challenges. Xinhua news agency also reported that Merz reaffirmed the German government’s adherence to the One China policy.